Ireland's Burren Way and The Cliffs of Moher

This hike was so amazing, it’s difficult to write about it. Please forgive me in advance for including so many photographs. They really are necessary because it’s such an indescribable place. What I had expected to be a fairly quick walk turned into something much [Read more]

Goal Zero, makers of portable solar power products, have begun working with other companies to integrate solar power into their products under their Solar Ready Partnership program. Goal Zero offers a selection of systems that you can piece together to power and recharge [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Clif Bar Organic Energy Food

Clif Bar has rolled out a new product category, called Organic Energy Food. Using real-food ingredients, the flavors were inspired by the home recipes of Team Clif Bar athletes to supply energy and satisfy cravings. The focus is on two types of activities: Go Fast, or high [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Zeal Crafted Biodegradable Sunglasses

ZEAL Optics, based in Boulder, Colorado, are more known for their high-tech goggles, like their models with GPS heads up display built in. But they also make performance and lifestyle sunglasses as well. Touting their focus on sustainability, they have a line of sunglasses [Read more]

The Snow Art of Simon Best

Simon Best has been creating geometric patterns in the snow of the French Alps for the past decade. An Englishman who creates maps for orienteering by trade, he uses those same skills to draw out his geometric patterns around the Les Arcs 2000 ski resort, where he keeps an [Read more]

Gear Review: FootBalance Custom Footbeds

Do you experience problems such as tired or sore feet while hiking, walking, skiing, riding a bike, or even just standing for long periods during work? You may be able to benefit from getting shoe inserts (aka insoles or footbeds). Even back or knee aches could possibly [Read more]

Gear Review: GoScope GoPro Camera Accessories

Despite all of the official mounts available from GoPro for their action cameras, there just is not enough to meet every potential need for mounting or capturing possible points of view. It goes without saying that enterprising DIY'ers and entrepreneurs have come up with [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Kelty TraiLogic Backpacking System

For Spring/Summer 2014, Kelty has designed a new backpacking system from the ground up. Called TraiLogic, the system is meant to take the focus off of your equipment and put it where it belongs - enjoying your [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp

The new ReVolt headlamp from Black Diamond will allow the use of alkaline batteries OR rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries. Even better, the headlamp itself acts as a charger for the rechargeable batteries, through a USB plug on the side. So, if you have access to a car, [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Tribe One PackNet

In most cases, the simplest ideas are the most elegant. And ideas born out of necessity are usually the most valuable kind. Take the PackNet, an attachment cargo system that extends the carrying ability of a backpack. Sure, we would love to go ultralight. But that is not [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: Grayl Water Filtration Cup

The Grayl (pronounced "Grail") is a new take on personal water filtration. Using a metal cannister, the process is similar to a coffee press. The water to be filtered is put into the cannister, then an inner sleeve with the attached filter is pressed down, and the filtered [Read more]

Borrow a Google Street View Trekker

Back in October we told you about Google Street View Trekker, the backpack camera picking up where the Google cars can't quite reach. Well, Google is now accepting applications to "borrow" a Trekker camera. If you represent a tourism board, non-profit, government agency, [Read more]

Gear Spotlight: TinyMtn 3D Miniature Models

I had this same idea as soon as I first found out about 3D printers. So, it must be a good one, right? TinyMtn has created 3D topography profiles of many favorite US mountain peaks and National Parks. There's also one for Mt. Everest, naturally. The scales vary, but the [Read more]

Gear Review: Therm-A-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad

In almost every case of finding the right camping gear, it is a matter of balancing weight versus comfort. This is especially true when trying to select a sleeping pad. More comfort usually means more weight and [Read more]

Gear Review: Smartwool PhD Outdoor Hiking Sock

Hiking socks.... they're all the same, right? Wrong! I think people tend to focus more attention on the sexier parts of their outdoor wardrobe and other gear selections, but a poor choice in socks could easily make for a miserable outdoors experience. Socks are the [Read more]

Gear Review: Kahtoola MICROspikes

If you're a hiker or backpacker that wants to expand your season by starting it a little earlier or extending it a little later, these shoe accessories are a must-have. This is especially true if you plan to tilt your travels uphill, where the snow arrives early and [Read more]